Paris, France

June 2013

During our trip to London we couldn't resist jumping on the Eurostar and visiting the City of Love! Paris was everything I imagined it to be. It had it all - the old cultural buildings, the couples on motorbikes and even the little Poodles eating dinner at restaurants with their owners!

I've dreamed of visiting the Eiffel Tower since I was 6 years old! It was so surreal to be standing in front of such a historic landmark - especially one displayed all around my bedroom in the form of pictures, paintings and ornaments.

 

Lets not forget the real reason we all dream of Paris. Everywhere you turn there are pastry shops, chocolate shops, macaroon shops... 

First night in Paris and we found a cute Pizza restaurant. In an attempt to sweep me off my feet, the chef moulded the dough into the shape of a love heart. They don't call it the City of Love for no reason. On a more serious note, the Pizza was amazing! It was so fresh and authentic; definitely not your '2 am and nothing else is open'  Dominos Pizza. 

Couldn't help but by a little something when I walked into the Louis Vuitton on Champs Elysees. If there's anytime to spoil yourself, it's in Paris. 

The Palace of Versailles! For those of you that don't know, it was the home of Marie Antoinette before she was beheaded! Obviously if you're going to Paris the palace is a must see - from the beautiful gardens to the unbelievable room decor it would be ridiculous not to go! Be sure to get there early though. From memory we arrived at about 11.30am and there were hundreds of people already queuing to get in. Still, it's worth the wait.

Just your typical breakfast in Paris...

London, England

June 2013

This trip was such a growing experience for me. Not only was I returning to my birth place for the first time, but I was also meeting my Dad who I hadn't seen since the age of three. So I returned to the place where I took my first steps and said my first words, but I also experienced my first tube ride, had my high tea at Harrods and got my first tattoo. All of which was done with my Mum and sister by my side, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. 

The one and only Piccadilly Circus! One of London's iconic meeting spots. No matter the time of day, this place was always packed with people.

Can't go to London without getting your typical 'in front of old telephone booth' tourist snap!

 Leister Square! I was blown away by the atmosphere of this place. Leister Square is your one stop spot for dining out, seeing a movie or blowing away your cash at the casino. As you can tell the nightlife is buzzing with people everyone out for a good time. 

Okay so guilty as charged, Oxford Street was probably my most visited place during my trip. I was shocked to find that prices are so low compared to Melbourne's. Shops like Top Shop, River Island and H&M had me in panic mode where I liked everything I touched and didn't know where to start. I'm definitely an impulse buyer and never past through Oxford street empty handed!

My amazing Mum was nice enough to surprise me and my sister with tickets to Rihanna's Diamond World Tour. We were absolutely thrilled after missing out in Melbourne! Although fans have been disappointed over her late arrivals, the second she stepped out on stage it was all forgotten! She was amazing!

Surfer's Paradise, QLD

February 2013 

Sometimes it's just nice to get away! Even though I was only a two hour plane trip from home, it felt like a little escape from reality. My to do list was chore free, ranging from lying on the beach, to visiting theme parks, to shopping sprees. When life seems stressful, sometimes all it takes is a few days away to catch your breath and bring you back into a positive zone. 

The view of our hotel pool from the balcony at The Marriot. Great hotel, friendly staff, and if the photo isn't enough...the hotel pool is heaven!

Dining like a king! One of my favourite things about being on holiday - not having to feel guilty for splurging on food! 

 Mojitos and Strawberry Dacquiri's at the hotel bar 

Love the theme parks in Surfers Paradise, but Dream World is definitely my favourite. I'm not much of a 'rides' person - went on the Superman escape at Movie World and was dizzy until the next morning - so I like Dream World because it has many other attractions to get excited about. My favourite one is Tiger Island where I was able to pat a live Tiger, watch demonstrations and see the cute little babies! 

Steven snorkelling in the hotel lagoon (there were plenty of fish I promise).

First Post

Hey guys! Welcome to my travel blog. I absolutely love to getaway, whether its a lengthy holiday across the world, a volunteer trip in a third world country or a weekend road trip with a friend! Many people say that those that love to 'getaway' are running from something in their lives, but travelling is my life, and I'm not running away; I'm running towards. Towards excitement, freedom, culture, new experiences and new people. Theres something about stepping foot in a new place that makes me feel as though I can do anything I want to. My mind seems to wander and think up new things I'd never have thought of if I'd still been at home in a familiar territory. I grow as a person every time I leave Melbourne and in order to keep growing, I need to see the rest of the world!

Happy browsing! x